Superheroes

Salaam.

I read an article a few days back about a lovely Sikh man who hung out around New York City in a Captain America costume - complete with beard and turban!  (He wrote the article.)  He describes his worries and expectations and the outcome and experiences.  He received a lot of attention and most of it was raving.  He wanted to challenge the thinking that Captain America, the idea and what he stands for, has to be defined by and as a white male.  And I think he succeeded.  Kudos to him for having the courage to introduce a new idea to the world.

While reading, however, I started to think about whether we all needed to make spectacles of ourselves to encourage people to be more open-minded and think critically about society today.  Now, I don't think that what Vishavjit did is ridiculous - I actually really applaud him.  I want to be clear that he is awesome-sauce.  I agree that being outspoken is the only way to approach it - no one ever inspired a revolutionary movement by sitting around silently.  And sometimes being outrageous is the right way to make a point.  I just wonder if pageantry is ever going to stop being the only way to open dialogue.  How sad for us.

xoxo

Berry Earrings

Salaam.

Two nights ago, I worked on two things.  First, I hand made a pair of ear wires!  The are made from 18-guage 24K gold-filled wire and I think they're adorable.  I still need to smooth the back end of each hook, but I think they turned out well!  I'm going to continue playing with the dimensions of the hook, but I really like how this first attempt came out.  ( :

24K gold-filled, 18 gauge ear wires!

Second, I attached to each earhook a small drop cluster of Swarovski crystal 4mm bicones in rose (pink), indian pink (dark pink), and padparadscha (grapefruit).  I love how the colors work together to create a full range of soft pinks.  The earrings could be paired with an number of looks and outfits, from day to night to formal.  I call them my Berry Earrings and I think they're the first of a set in a themed collection.  I'm so excited about the possibilities!!

Sweet drop cluster earrings with a berry twist!

I'll let y'all know if/when my Etsy is finally up and running!  And don't forget to follow me on Pinterest!

xoxo

Let's Talk About VaJayJays

Salaam.

As I'm sure most of you know, American Apparel has this shirt by Petra Collins and Alice Lancaster.  Yes, it's kind of old hat, but today I read an interview with Petra, so I wanted to jot down some thoughts.

My personal opinion of the shirt: Blech.  I do not want to ever wear a bleeding vajayjay on my chest.  Why?  Because I don't like periods.  They're messy, and sometimes crampy, and altogether last for far too long.  That said, no, I don't think vaginas are gross.  Or pubic hair.  And I am certainly not ashamed to be a woman, have a hooha, or get my period.  And lest you think I've forgotten, no, I'm not disgusted by masturbation, either.  My husband and I enjoy being together.  I like knowing that I can have children (because my husband and I want them).  I just don't enjoy a bleeding vajayjay.

Now all of that said, I don't understand what all the uproar is/was about.  This graphic tee, like any other is purchased by people who want to make a statement, want to shock you, or just plain like it.  You don't like it?  don't buy it.  It's the kind of this thing you see in the store, laugh about with your friends, and then move on from.  There's no reason to be rude - to someone wearing it, someone selling it, or the people who created it.  It's not offensive.  If it actually offends you, that a different issue altogether.

Being offended indicates you have a deeper problem.  And I believe Petra and Alice were trying to get to this point.  The detractors are showing far more buried feelings than I bet they realize.  Why are they so affected by a t-shirt?  The plainly misogynistic arguments thrown up by men and women alike prove the wayward thinking that has been propagated in our society today.  Should a woman not have a vagina?  Should a woman not have a period?  Should a woman not masturbate?  Should a woman not have pubic hair?  Should she simply be silenced or not exist at all?  Think about the message these people have internalized and are now spewing back into the world.  Good on Petra for shedding some light on the situation.

As for "decency," I like to keep my privates private and that's why I don't put in on a shirt.  A drawing of a vagina is first of all not the most vulgar thing out there in the world.  I wouldn't suggest or support wearing this particular shirt to any religious services out of respect, but that is my opinion.  If your kids see it on the street and ask you about it, it's your duty to explain.  If you don't want to, or are embarrassed, that's no one else's problem but your own.  To adapt from Louis C. K., women can be proud of themselves and enjoy their sexuality because you don't want to talk to your own kids for 5 minutes?  Give me a break.

xoxo

Updates on My Love Life and Resume

Salaam.

Today I started a volunteer position at a local medical school.  I've joined an Immunology lab studying B cell development in immune response as it is related to certain types of cancer.  I'll be there full time for now, but iA when I get a job, I will cut back hours to after 5pm.  I have to talk to the postdoc about it.  It's all in the long road to academia.  InshaAllah.  But so yes.  #JobHunt2013 continues.  Some interesting prospects are in play; we'll see what happens.  Send good vibes my way!

It's been just over nine weeks since Char and I got married, and I'm loving life!  Every day we're tired and then there are always dishes to do and dinner to prepare and clothes to put away, but it's worth it.  ( :

xoxo